Chemistry, A.C.S., B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Requirements for the A.C.S. Chemistry Major:

There are four different tracks that build on a common core of courses.

Each track includes

Note:

* Students without sufficient preparation for CHM 110H may substitute the two-course CHM 101 /CHM 102 sequence.

Four in-depth courses (as outlined below) in chemistry and related areas**

Three terms of thesis research in chemistry

Additional Requirements

Mathmatics through:
MTH 115 - Calculus 3: Differential Vector Calculus and Matrix Theory
and two terms of introductory physics
PHY 110 - Physics for the Life Sciences 1
and
PHY 111 - Physics for the Life Sciences 2
or
PHY 120 - Matter in Motion
and
PHY 121 - Principles of Electromagnetics

In-depth course requirements for each track follow:

Chemistry Track:

Three required in-depth courses

One elective course chosen from

Also recommended

Additional courses in chemistry, physics, computer science, and/or engineering.

Chemical Biology Track:

Two required in-depth courses

Two elective courses chosen from

Also recommended

Additional courses in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and/or engineering.

Environmental Chemistry Track:

Two required courses

Two elective in-depth courses chosen from

Also recommended

Additional upper-level chemistry courses, additional selections from the in-depth course electives for this track, courses in environmental ethics, history, literature and/or policy.

Materials Chemistry Track:

Two required courses

Two elective courses chosen from

Also recommended

Additional courses in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and/or engineering.

Note:

** Some of the elective choices for these tracks are offered by other academic departments. There is no expectation that other departments will guarantee space in their courses for chemistry students. In addition, there is no expectation that those departments will waive any prerequisites for their courses.

Requirements for Honors in Chemistry:

Candidates for honors in chemistry must have a cumulative index of at least 3.3 and an index of at least 3.3 in the courses of their major, excluding cognates, and must have at least three A or A- grades in such courses (not including any given in connection with the writing of their Senior Thesis). They must submit evidence of independent work in chemistry of substance and distinction in the form of a thesis that shall have been awarded a grade of at least A-. Candidates must fulfill the College-wide criteria for honors and they must be formally nominated by the Chemistry Department.

Course Selection Guidelines

Placement: Any student interested in taking introductory chemistry is required to take a placement examination to determine the appropriate course. Exception: a student wishing to take chemistry who has scored 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam will be automatically placed into CHM 110H and cannot take CHM 101 . Students who have scored 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam or who successfully complete CHM 110H will also receive AP credit for CHM 101 . CHM 110H is offered only in the fall term. [Note: occasionally a student who places out of CHM 101 may find it more appropriate to take CHM 102 instead of CHM 110H . This decision must be made in consultation with the chair of the Chemistry Department.]

Common Curriculum Courses: CHM 050 , CHM 060 and CHM 080 and CHM 090 are designed for the general college community. They do not count toward the chemistry major nor for interdepartmental majors that include chemistry. Only students with majors in Division I and II departments or psychology can count one chemistry Common Curriculum course toward the minor in chemistry, and only if it is their first course in the minor. CHM 101 , CHM 102 , and CHM 110H are also appropriate courses for students wishing to complete their Common Curriculum requirements.

Prerequisites: There is a strict prerequisite structure for the chemistry curriculum, so it is very important to review individual course descriptions when planning when to take the various courses. Every 200-level course has at least one 100-level chemistry course prerequisite, and some have other 200-level chemistry courses and/or cognate courses as prerequisites. Every 300-level course has at least one 200-level chemistry course prerequisite, and some have other 300-level chemistry courses and/or cognate courses as prerequisites.

Repeating Chemistry Courses: Chemistry courses may be repeated according to the college policy, if space permits, with the following exception: a student cannot repeat a chemistry course that is a prerequisite for another chemistry or biochemistry course that the student has successfully completed.